As the NFL world eagerly awaits Travis Kelce's next move, the future of the 36-year-old Kansas City Chiefs star remains a hot topic. After a challenging season that saw the Chiefs miss the playoffs, Kelce's potential retirement is on everyone's mind.
Kelce flirted with the idea of retirement in 2025 but ultimately decided to return. Now, the question looms again: will he hang up his cleats? If he does, opportunities abound beyond the gridiron.
One enticing path could lead Kelce to the broadcast booth. Reports suggest he could earn a hefty $15 million annually if he chooses to transition to broadcasting. With Kirk Herbstreit's contract with Amazon Prime Video expiring after the 2026 season, Kelce might just find himself in the running for a spot on "Thursday Night Football."
Other contenders for the role include Greg Olsen of Fox and JJ Watt of CBS. However, Kelce and Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay are considered intriguing "wild cards" for the position. Herbstreit has been a fixture since Amazon began airing NFL games in 2022, alongside Al Michaels, who is contemplating retirement.
For Kelce, the broadcasting world offers a new arena to showcase his charisma and football insight. Meanwhile, off the field, he has a plethora of sponsorships and media engagements lined up for 2026, ensuring his presence remains strong whether he decides to play another season or not.